Much of the stress in our lives is brought on by the fact we are focusing on ourselves instead of on God. Trouble will find its way into each of our lives. Difficult, even tragic, circumstances will invade our serenity. Countless outside influences will cause us stress, but I maintain the primary culprit will always be a wrong focus. I know from personal experience that a surrendered heart that is thinking only of Jesus has no room for stress.
The love, joy, grace, and sufficiency of Christ have an almost intoxicating way of melting away every care and concern. Personal experience also informs me that even a slight glance away from our Lord yields disastrous results. The implication is clear. If you want to live a stress-free life, keep your focus on Jesus.
Notice I said a stress-free life, not a trouble-free life. Don’t be naïve. Jesus said we will have trouble in this word (John 16:33). Sin guarantees it; there’s no way around it. Even in times of trouble, we can be free of stress. When we relax in the providence and goodness of our Savior, we need not fear or be anxious. He loves us and sees us in our darkest hours. Jesus does not abandon or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:19-20).
When times seem most difficult, that’s when God floods us with His peace. This can only happen if we fix our eyes on Him. If we are concerned with our comfort, safety, and happiness, those things will block the flow of peace into our lives. Nothing brings joy and contentment like the love of the Father. We worry about losing those things that never deliver true happiness, but those same things cannot rescue us from our despair. Only Jesus can do that.
When life feels overwhelming, check your focus. Are you concerning yourself with the things of Heaven or the things on earth? For those who love Jesus and surrender to Him as Lord, the treasures of Heaven can never be taken away. Jesus assures our eternal life with Him. Nothing can ever snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28). Rest in that. No power, no threat, and no circumstance can ever overcome the victory Jesus has already won.
We will find a stress-free life when we surrender everything to Jesus. He is the Victor, He is our Champion, and He is our Redeemer. No matter what befalls us in this life, He holds the keys to eternal life. The troubles of this life do not surprise or perplex Jesus. Neither should they concern us. Just look to Jesus and He will guide you through the storm. Focus on Him and Him alone and you will find the worries of this world are trivial when compared to His eternal glory. God will make a way out for you (1 Corinthians 10:13). He will lead you home. To live a stress-free life, keep straight on the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). Don’t worry about the things happening around you. Look only to Jesus and He will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).